Articles

Pennsylvania recently joined several other states in passing a law permitting the use of medical marijuana as treatment for certain serious medical conditions and illnesses. As a new state to operate a medical marijuana program, authorities are warning patients that federal law bars users of marijuana, still a Schedule 1 drug under Federal Law, from […]

On March 15, 2018, the Pennsylvania Superior Court held that social media posts must be authenticated if they are going to be introduced as evidence in criminal cases. In Commonwealth v. Mangel, a three-judge panel affirmed a decision made by an Erie County trial judge, ruling that social media posts are not admissible in criminal […]

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ruled that police may seize your cellphone but may not search it without a warrant. Relying on the United States Supreme Court decisions in Riley v. California and United States v. Wurie, the Court held that a warrantless search of the contents of cell phone violates the Fourth Amendment. In […]

Canada frequently denies admission to Americans and travelers from all over the world based upon prior criminal convictions. Border officials often disregard the length of time passed from the date of the conviction to the time of attempted entry into Canada. Thus, an individual with a conviction from decades prior may be denied entry into […]

Prior to Governor Tom Wolf’s entrance to office, it was incredibly difficult to receive a pardon.  However, Governor Wolf is now giving his constituents the opportunity for the second chance that they many have long sought. In an effort to reduce the backlog of pardon applicants, since taking office, Governor Wolf has initiated a system […]